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Kansas State Fair begins its annual run

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Live entertainment, stunt dogs and a new butter sculptor are luring visitors to the Kansas State Fair.

The event started Friday and runs through Sept. 18 on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. The fair draws a crowd of about 350,000 people each year. See the Fair Web Site here.

Performers will include pop artists Andy Grammer and Rachel Platten, along with the classic rock band Lynryd Skynyrd.

Away from the grandstand, there’s a petting zoo, camel rides and giant pumpkins. Besides the traditional livestock and food competitions, contestants also can vie in beard and mustache contests.

Fairgoers also will be able to meet sculptor Sarah Pratt, who is transforming 700 pounds of butter into a cow and boy. Pratt has been the Iowa State Fair butter sculptor for 12 years.

City commission issues letters after Kan. protesters disrupt meeting

Sit in during this week's meeting-Image city of Lawrence
Sit in during this week’s meeting-Image city of Lawrence

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Lawrence City Commission has issued letters of solidarity with Black Lives Matter and with American Indians protesting the Dakota access Pipeline after about 20 people staged a sit-in.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports that Tuesday’s protest delayed a commission meeting by about 45 minutes.

Watch a replay of the city commission meeting here.

Commissioners initially said a letter would be written within 24 hours, but that offer wasn’t immediately accepted. The protesters left after the commission decided to issue an initial statement of support Tuesday night and called for a continuation of the meeting Wednesday to issue official letters.

Trinity Carpenter, with Lawrence’s Black Lives Matter chapter, said the final drafts of the letters “definitely felt well thought out.” Mayor Mike Amyx says the commission will work with people of color in the community and continue listening.

ACLU Sues Kansas City Schools Over Handcuffing Of Second Grader

By ELLE MOXLEY

CREDIT GUSTAVO CASTILLO / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
CREDIT GUSTAVO CASTILLO / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The American Civil Liberties Union is suing Kansas City Public Schools after a school resource officer handcuffed a second grader.

The incident happened in 2014, says ACLU of Missouri Executive Director Jeffrey Mittman, after 7-year-old Kalyb Wiley Primm began to cry in class.

Mittman says Primm had been bullied.

“He didn’t want to go with the officer, who was being scary,” Mittman says. “Instead of calming the child, instead of reassuring him, instead of finding out what was wrong, the officer yelled at him, told him to stop crying and then handcuffed him.”

Primm allegedly sat, handcuffed, in the principal’s office for 15 minutes before his mother arrived.

“I think it’s an important question that we as a community must ask of our schools: how is it possible that this happened?” Mittman says.

But it happens more often than you might think. Schools in Missouri have wide latitude to set their own discipline policies. In fact, Missouri leads the nation in suspending young, black students.

“What we see from the data is there are too many students are disciplined improperly,” says Mittman. “There are too many young students of color who are treated unfairly and differentially. They are suspended at higher rates. They are expelled at higher rates.”

Primm, who is black, was too scared to return to school. Now 9, he has been homeschooled for the last two years.

A spokeswoman for KCPS said the district doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

Follow Elle Moxley on Twitter @ellemoxley

INSIGHT KANSAS: ‘Stunning’ lack of planning catching up with Brownback

For six years, Governor Brownback has put his spin on the state of the state’s fiscal condition. Perhaps we have all been too dense to appreciate the underlying grand strategy of this supremely skilled budgeteer and his legislative allies who knew in advance that planning both pleasure (tax reduction) and pain (spending cuts) at the same time would awaken the beast in the body politic.

Dr. Mark Peterson
Dr. Mark Peterson

Recently the governor rejected the Kansas Hospital Association’s proposal to expand KanCare and take advantage of Medicaid. He noted that the current program was not yet functioning well and it therefore seemed foolish to expand it or add money that would lead to service expansion beyond the current clientele. His punchline on the subject was, “At the end of the day, every big government program is about one thing, taking money from the many and giving it to the few. Is that really in the best interests of all Kansans?”

While he was clearly making a rhetorical query, it is in fact a policy question. Services provided by government tend to raise revenues from the broadest available resources and provide services to a narrower group of beneficiaries. Government typically implements programs because they are too difficult, unprofitable or legally and ethically inappropriate for private parties to provide. Government spending and programs are meant to solve problems, and good problem-solving requires planning. One thing a majority of Kansans would agree upon is that planning has not been the premier skill of this gubernatorial administration.

Consider this list of widely discussed problems: The societal costs associated with Kansas children who fail from the beginning due to disparities of wealth, parenting and skimpy public resources; The ongoing need to adequately and equitably fund K-12 public education requires a sound plan; and KanCare, an enterprise based healthcare ‘solution’ that is failing in the absence of Medicaid expansion and by the governor’s own admission – poor planning. Who is planning to end the flight of our best and brightest young people as funding for higher education stagnates and declines precipitously? The greatest unmet planning challenge is addressing the tremendous differences in the cultures, public costs and economies that exist between urbanized Kansas and the rest, where the population gets down to fewer than 20 people per square mile in spots and the most severe healthcare issues exist.

The governor, after six years has just solicited a reported 50 organizations to propose alternatives to his two year’s of block grant funding for the state’s K-12 education system. He says he wants ideas from the citizenry in general and from a long list of other sources ranging from the Brookings Institution to Americans for Prosperity and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. He declares that the time has NOW come to begin serious conversations and planning to reduce public appetites for state spending in light of continued revenue shortages which have – wait for it – come about because of hard times in agriculture, the oil patch and aviation.

It is stunning to think that the administration is finally accepting that, along with revenue cuts, good government practice dictates aligning spending habits with revenue. What is equally stunning is the implicit acknowledgement that the governor and his administration isn’t willing to offer leadership on these matters. Grudgingly, the state Senate President Susan Wagle and several apprehensive state House members seem to have come to realize that the cupboards have been swept bare.

The evidence, however, strongly points to cluelessness rather than calculation. With November 8th now just 60 days away, it might be well to remember, fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us.

Dr. Mark Peterson teaches political science at the college level in Topeka.

HPD Activity Log Sept. 8

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The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and 17 traffic stops Thu., Sept. 8, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Theft (general)–1700 block unset Trl, Hays; 8/5/16 12 AM; 8/6/16 11:59 PM
Found/Lost Property–400 block W 20th St, Hays–12:56 AM
Water Use Violation–3000 block Oak St, Hays; 6:49 AM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–1000 block Vine St, Hays; 12:41 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–1700 block Hall St, Hays; 12:43 PM
Criminal Trespass–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 3:53 PM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–13th St and Ash St, Hays; 4:21 PM; 4:23 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–500 block E 13th St, Hays; 4:37 PM
Search Warrant–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1 PM; 4 PM

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House passes controversial Sept. 11 legislation despite Obama veto threat

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has approved a bipartisan bill that would allow families of Sept. 11 victims to sue the government of Saudi Arabia.

The measure was approved by voice vote Friday.

Passage of the legislation puts Congress on a collision course with President Barack Obama on the eve of the 15th anniversary of the attacks.

The Senate passed the bill in May by voice vote despite vehement objections from Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East.

Fifteen of the 19 hijackers from 9/11 were Saudi nationals.

The White House has signaled that Obama would veto the legislation over concerns about exposing Americans overseas to legal risks.

The Obama administration cautions that if U.S. citizens can take the Saudis to court, then a foreign country could in turn sue the United States.

🎥 New Mayor Musil conducts first meeting; Meier now vice-mayor

musil gavels meeting crop
Shaun Musil gavels open his first meeting as the mayor of Hays.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The audience was larger than usual for Thursday night’s Hays city commission meeting. In addition to a few city employees and interested residents, the room was mostly filled with members of Shaun Musil’s family.

They were there in support of Musil as he conducted his first meeting as the Hays mayor.

The governing body was reorganized as Eber Phelps stepped down as mayor and Musil became the new mayor after serving as vice-mayor since April 23, 2015. James Meier was named the new vice-mayor of Hays. Musil noted the city commission formerly reorganized in April but will now do so in September to comply with recent changes in state election law.

Musil thanked Phelps for his service as mayor and joked he had no practice running a meeting because Phelps had never missed a commission meeting as mayor. “I enjoyed being your vice-mayor,” Musil said to Phelps. “You never let me do much, but that’s all right,” Musil added as all the commissioners laughed.

Outgoing mayor Eber Phelps shakes hands with new Vice-Mayor James Meier.
Outgoing mayor Eber Phelps shakes hands with new Vice-Mayor James Meier.

A long list of major city accomplishments during Phelps’ turn as mayor was read by Musil who then presented Phelps with a recognition plaque.

Phelps recalled his first term on the Hays city commission was in 1995, the year Hays was named an “All-America City.” He noted the three ‘platform programs’ the city submitted to the national competition–volunteerism, curbside recycling and water conservation–are still thriving today.

“All three of those things we kind of rode to glory on 20 some years ago,” Phelps recalled. “And as you know, volunteerism in this community is unbelievable, (such as) our parks, that continues to this day.

“The recycling program still has 80 percent-plus participation. Our recycling center is a very busy place. It’s very efficient. You ca drive down the streets, look down the alleys, and you will see all the blue bags lined up and the cardboard.

“Our long-term water efforts–we’ve put in the applications to the state Department of Water Resources for the Water Transfer Act (for the R9 Ranch in Edwards County).

“The water conservation education programs continue to this day. That was not a one-time shot. It became part of our lifestyle. Contrary to when we implemented water conservation, everybody didn’t move from Hays and people continue to move here today. It was a bold move,” he declared.

“I’m just happy to see those three things that made us an All-America City, continue to this day. I think I can safely say Hays is still an All-America City in my view,” Phelps added, “and we’ve got great citizens here and I’ve enjoyed working with so many of them.”

Eldon Lee Luhman

Eldon Lee Luhman, 79, of Russell, Kansas, and formerly of Natoma, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.

Eldon was born August 5, 1937 in Rooks County, Kansas, the son of Henry and Alvina (Tatkenhorst) Luhman. He grew up in Natoma and graduated from Natoma High School in the class of 1955. He attended and graduated with a degree in business from Brown Mackie College in Salina, Kansas. He then served his country in the U.S. Army for two years. After his service, he resided in San Francisco, California, and Salina before returning to the Natoma area with his family.

Eldon worked as a bank examiner for a short time until eventually pursuing a career in insurance sales for most of his life. He also enjoyed and collected classic antique cars.

Surviving family include two sons, Michael Luhman of Alexandria, Virginia, and Kevin Luhman of State College, Pennsylvania; daughter, Janella Williams (Jeff) of Lawrence, Kansas; brother, Lyle Luhman (Betty Jo) of Natoma, Kansas; sister, Brenda Price of Salina, Kansas; and two grandsons, Matthew Luhman and Jacob Luhman (father Michael). He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Merlin Luhman, and sisters Byrdene Mason and Bonnie Schlesener.

Celebration of Eldon’s life and his burial will occur at 10:30 AM Monday, September 12, 2016 at the North Lutheran Cemetery north of Natoma. Visitation will be from Noon until 8:00 PM Sunday, September 11, 2016, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Mernadine Louise (Neymeyer) Castle

3880084_wlppMernadine Louise (Neymeyer) Castle, age 89, Quinter, passed away Sunday, September 4, 2016 at Gove County Medical Center, Quinter. She was born March 9, 1927, in Quinter, to Claude and Hannah (Jamison) Neymeyer.

Mernadine attended a two-room country school, as a child, then graduated from Quinter High School. She loved to work in the garden, growing flowers. She was an animal lover, having raised many kittens and dogs. In June of 1943, she was united in marriage to Marvin Castle. To this union, four children were born. After their children were grown, Mernadine and Marvin enjoyed traveling most winters to Arizona, Texas, Florida, and California. She was an active member for many years in the Gynefealita Club and the Stitch and Chatter Club. As a hobby, Mernadine enjoyed doing oil paintings. She cherished family get-togethers, and always looked forward the bi-annual Jamison Family Reunion. Her kind heart and pleasant memories will remain with many.

Survivors include two sons, Fred (Debbie) Castle of McCammon, Idaho, and Alan Castle of Bella Vista, Arkansas; one daughter, Connie Castle of Grainfield; six grandchildren, Shannon (Tiffany) Hopkins of Overland Park, Michelle Bishop of Wichita, Stacy (Kelly) Wood of North Tonawanda, New York, Leithanail Rich of McAllester, Oklahoma, Jennifer Jones of Omaha, Nebraska, and Michelle Jones of Overland Park; eleven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Neva Mae Bailey of Sabetha. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Jamie; and a brother Erwin Neymeyer.

Family hosted graveside memorial services will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 11, 2016 at Baker Township Cemetery, Quinter. There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Mernadine Castle Memorial Fund. Contributions to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Nissan recalls vehicles after fluid leak; GM recalls vehicles for airbag defect

RecallDETROIT (AP) — Nissan is recalling over 120,000 cars and SUVs in the U.S. because brake fluid could leak and cause fires.

In some cases owners should park their vehicles outside until they are fixed.

The recall covers certain 2015 to 2017 Murano SUVs and 2016 to 2017 Maxima large cars that are equipped with intelligent cruise control. Also included are some 2015 and 2016 Murano hybrids.

Nissan says seals on antilock brake pumps can leak fluid onto a circuit board. That can cause an electrical short, which could lead to a fire. If fluid leaks, the antilock brake warning light could stay on for 10 seconds after startup. Owners who see that should park outside and call their dealer.

Nissan says several vehicles caught fire. Dealers will replace defective pumps for free.

In addition, General Motors Co. is recalling about 4 million vehicles worldwide to fix an air bag software defect that has been linked to one death.

The company said Friday that in rare cases, the car’s computers can go into test mode and the front air bags won’t inflate in a crash. The seat belts also may not function.

GM says the defect is linked to at least one death.

GM will notify customers and update the software for free.

The recall involves the 2014-2016 Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet SS and Spark EV; the 2014-2017 Buick Encore, GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Corvette, Trax, Caprice and Silverado; and the 2015-2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban and Silverado HD, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL and Sierra HD and Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV.

League of Women Voters to host Kansas Supreme Court forum

SALINE COUNTY -The League of Women Voters annual Fall Issues Forum will feature Kansas Supreme Court Justices Marla Luckert and Carol Beier at Kansas Wesleyan University’s Pioneer Hall in Sams Chapel on Monday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m., according to a media release.

They will discuss “The Role of Fair and Impartial Courts in Kansas Government.”

The League is sponsoring this event to inform all Kansans, given the movement to vote out or non-retain Justices in November’s general elections.

Sarah Bagby, Wichita Watermark Books, will moderate the event.

Ms. Bagby will ask questions included those submitted by the audience for the Justices’ response.

Smoky Hills Public Television will record the event for later broadcast.

Kan. game warden asks for help after doves found littering the ground

Doves littering the ground in Seward County- photo KDWP&T Game Wardens
Doves littering the ground in Seward County- photo KDWP&T Game Wardens

SEWARD COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in southwest Kansas are investigating a hunting violation.

The game warden in Seward County is asking the public for help to learn the identity of hunters after 18 doves were found shot and left to lay east of Wide Awake Road and north of CR Zero in Seward County, according to a social media report.

The birds were dead, not cleaned and with numerous shotgun hulls littering the ground.

Officials ask anyone with information about the case to call Operation Game Thief at 877-426-3843.

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